According to news reports, LeBron James will claim his first NBA MVP award.

LeBron James will be named the 2009 NBA MVP later today, several news services have reported.

No surprise here. The NBA has announced a press conference for today at 4 p.m. at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio where James went to high school.

In a three-man race for the honor, James, who is in his sixth season, had a better year than Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade and the Cleveland Cavaliers finished the regular season with the NBA’s best record at 66-16.

James averaged 28.4 points, 7.6. rebounds and 7.2 assists. James also finished second behind Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard for league defensive player of the year honors this season.

Now can he finish this thing off and lead the Cavaliers to an NBA title this year?

Just remember this?

When Karl Malone, Charles Barkley and other guys won the MVP award, it inspired that guy named Michael Jordan. So when Jordan faced Barkley and Malone in the NBA Finals, he crushed them.

Don’t think Bryant wouldn’t relish in that same situation if he and James meet in the finals this year.

Just keep that in mind.